About Methamphetamine

Onset of Drug Effect(s): Methamphetamine was created in a chemistry lab - it is an artificial chemical substance.

Methamphetamine basically keeps you awake - people use it if they want to stay up. Unfortunately, it can keep them up for days. Some people feel high, others just feel like they have had way too much coffee. The average dose of methamphetamine can last anywhere from 4-8 hours!

Drug Action(s): Acute effects on the mind and body include:

Increased heart rate

Breathing difficulty

Loss of appetite

Hyperactivity

Insomnia

Irritability

Confusion & mild hallucination

Long terms effects on the mind and body include:

Development of anorexia

Stroke, due to damage done to heart and blood vessels

Reduced levels of dopamine, leading to Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms

Psychotic symptoms (auditory hallucinations, paranoia, hostility)

Intense drug cravings

Chronic stress syndrome

HIV infection (associated with injection drug use)

Wake Up Call, Villanova!

99.5% of Villanova students have NEVER used methampethamine; however, Villanova students report that they believe over 30% of their peers have used it (National College Health Assessment 2013 survey data).